Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Terlumun Utsev, has inspected key Federal Government water and irrigation projects in Benue State, calling on residents to support the development initiatives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The inspection tour, which took place on Friday, January 23, covered the proposed World Bank and Federal Government-supported Sustainable Power and Irrigation in Nigeria, SPIN Project in Katsina-Ala, the ongoing Ugbema Semi-Urban Water Supply Project in Buruku Local Government Area, and the Buruku–Gboko Water Supply Scheme.
Speaking at the Katsina-Ala SPIN Project site, Professor Utsev stated that the inspection was in line with President Tinubu’s directive to assess water supply and irrigation infrastructure nationwide and identify areas requiring urgent intervention.
He explained that the 5,000-hectare irrigable farmland in Katsina-Ala, when completed, would boost food production, promote year-round farming, and create employment opportunities for thousands of youths.
The Minister added that the dam component of the project would be concessioned under a Public-Private Partnership arrangement to fast-track delivery.
Professor Utsev urged residents and state governments to take full advantage of the World Bank-supported SPIN Programme, noting that the initiative is critical to national food security and economic growth.
The National Project Coordinator of SPIN, Engineer Ipinlaye Olaiya, said the project is designed to increase agricultural output, create jobs, and contribute to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product.
He added that the implementation would commence upon clearance from development partners.
The Minister also inspected the Federal Government’s ongoing 30,000-litre capacity Semi-Urban Water Project at Ugbema, where he noted that the project has reached about 80 percent completion.
He assured residents that the remaining work, including water reticulation, would be completed soon.
At the Buruku/Gboko Water Supply Scheme in Ameladu Community, Professor Utsev stated that the project has attained about 90 percent completion and will supply potable water to four local government areas, including parts of Tarka and Ushongo.
The inspection tour ended at the Amgbo Dam in Wannune, Tarka Local Government Area, where the Minister announced plans to expand the dam to enhance water supply, irrigation, tourism, and support the Federal Polytechnic, Wannune.
Professor Utsev reiterated the importance of public cooperation and encouraged residents to participate actively in the ongoing e-registration exercise.
At his party, the Rector of the Polytechnic, Doctor Tyover Ashinya, praised the Federal Government for the intervention, describing the project as a major boost to the institution.
Community leaders and Local farmers in Katsina-Ala who applauded the initiative appealed for support in the provision of farm inputs to enhance dry-season farming. They expressed appreciation to President Tinubu, describing the project as a permanent solution to long-standing water challenges in the area.
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